For Amazing Buddhist Temples to Visit on Your Trip to Thailand

Buddhism is indeed a very tranquil and peaceful practice. Buddhism has created a musical effect to the entire country. Their temples are very important to the people and consider Buddha to be a source of enlightenment, good fortune and good health. The monks of the Buddhist monastery are also frequently approached by the people for their advice and counsel. It is also customary for the boys to ordain themselves as monks for a certain period of time and live within the temple.

In understanding the history of the country, we should also be privy to the fact that Buddhism is no young practice in Thailand. It was introduced as old as about 2200 years ago; a time when, Ashoka the great emperor of India sent monks all over the world spreading the mysteries and holiness of Buddhism. The Buddhist temples here are referred to as 'Wat'. This also means the temple complex, which contains the several parts of the temple, like the Viharn, Chedi, Ubosot, etc. Here are the Top Four temples That You should not miss on your visit to Thailand.

The Wat Phra Kaew

This temple of Buddha is considered as the most sacred temple and is also an important pilgrimage site to the Thai Buddhists. The temple is also known as the 'Temple of Emerald Buddha', and is located within the grounds of the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok. The emerald Buddha is found in the Ubosot or the ordination hall.

The Emerald Buddha image depicts a Buddha clad in an attire of Gold and precious jewels, seated on a raised flamboyant alter.

This is a very revered temple and there is a strict dress code for all people, locals and tourists alike. Long pants, long sleeved shirts and long skirts are a must. You will need to remove your shoes prior to entering the hall, as in all the Buddhist temples. Do not disturb any worshipper inside the temple by making loud noises.

The Wat Pho

Also known as the Temple of the reclining Buddha, this image of a 46 meter long reclining Buddha is a pretty famous and attractive temple in Bangkok. Located in the immediate South of the Royal Grand Palace, this temple is also a must visit.

Lovingly called the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram, this temple is one of the six high graded Royal First Class temples in the country. It is the oldest and the largest temple in Bangkok, housing more than a 1000 Buddha images.

The Gold Plated Reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The soles of the Buddha's feet measure 3 meters in height and 5 meters length. Mother of Pearls are inlaid in several segments of the feet. This image represents the passing of Buddha into his final Nirvana after his last breath.

The Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

'The Holy Chedi of the Beginning' as the name implies, is one of the oldest temples yet in Thailand and is found in its oldest city Nakhom Pathom. The Orange roofed Chedi or stupa is a very impressive structure and is visible from far away. Standing to a towering height of 120 meters, this is the largest Buddha Chedi in the entire world.

Some say the temple is as ancient as the 3rd century BC, when Buddhism was introduced in Thailand. Its Chedi is modeled after the famous Sanchi Stupa of India.

The temple is open from 7 am to 8 pm and the entry and the Entry Fee is 40 Thai Baht.

Wat Mahathat Worawihan

This great Wat is a Royal temple that features its five highly massive Prangs. Located in a busy old district of Phetchaburi town, this Wat is considered to have been founded over 8 to 10 centuries ago.

The Highlight of the temple is the five prangs that it proudly peaks over its structure. These massive prang also known as the Phra Prang Ha Yod stand at the center of the courtyard of the Wat Mahathat. it is surrounded by 4 smaller prangs, the tallest of which stands over 40 meters and enshrines the Relics of Buddha.